SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — Patrick Jones, Penn State Schuylkill chancellor, will be leaving the University effective June 30. Jones has accepted a position as president of Bucks County Community College in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. A search for his replacement as Penn State Schuylkill chancellor is expected to launch shortly.

As president of Bucks County Community College, Jones will be responsible for day-to-day administration, management, leadership and oversight of the operations of the college. Jones also will help the college strategically navigate the evolving world of higher education, while also working with a wide range of internal and external constituents to support and sustain the college’s shared vision.

Jones was appointed chancellor of Penn State Schuylkill at the beginning of 2019. At Schuylkill Jones has been responsible for the quality of academic programs and oversaw strategic planning, budgeting, philanthropy, faculty and staff development, outreach, and community and alumni relations at the campus.

Jones’ success at the campus over the past five years can be seen in an increase of 6.7% in student headcount and an increase in retention rate of 5.4%. Jones also oversaw a four-year graduation rate increase of 7.8% at the campus since the beginning of his term in 2019.

“Patrick has been an exemplary leader at Penn State Schuylkill for the past several years and we will miss him and his commitment to our mission of access and affordability for the continuation of student success,” said Margo DelliCarpini, vice president for Commonwealth Campuses and executive chancellor. “I’m excited for him to take on this opportunity and use his talents to uplift a new community.”

In his chancellor role, Jones partnered with his colleagues to introduce unique programs that supported the University goal of student success. Two of these programs include Penn State Schuylkill Co-op and the Zuber-Slocum Academic Success Program. The co-op was able to achieve a student retention rate of 94% and help students achieve GPAs (grade point averages) above the campus average. The Zuber-Slocum Academic Success Program was awarded a national certification by the College Learning & Reading Association for helping students achieve significant growth in all areas assessed by the Learning and Student Strategies Inventory (LASSI). LASSI is a student self-assessment geared toward providing students with a picture of their strengths and weaknesses, compared to other college students.

During his time at Penn State Schuylkill, Jones also oversaw significant upgrades to the campus’ facilities and grounds, including a $3.5 million renovation of science laboratories, such as new organic chemistry and general chemistry labs, as well as physics and radiological labs. Additionally, a 4,000-square-foot nursing suite with a simulation lab was constructed during Jones’ tenure. In 2023, he played a key role in helping to obtain accreditation from the Interactive Community of Arboreta (ArbNet), making Schuylkill the second Penn State campus to do so. ArbNet is the only international accreditation program for arboreta. Penn State Schuylkill is now a Level 1 accredited arboretum.

In total during his tenure, Jones oversaw investment of more than $19 million in facilities, infrastructure and technologies at Penn State Schuylkill and raised more than $5.4 million in philanthropic gifts.

“It has been an honor to serve as chancellor of Penn State Schuylkill,” said Patrick Jones, chancellor of Penn State Schuylkill. “Although I’ll no longer have a position at Penn State, as an alumnus I’ll always be a Penn Stater. I wish the leadership of our University and all the faculty, staff and students of the Penn State Schuylkill campus a successful future.”

Among Jones' accomplishments is the formation of both the Co-op National Advisory Council and the Alumni Society Leadership Committee. He also helped create a partnership with the Blue Mountain School District to establish co-branded home fields for baseball and softball teams. Jones managed the partnership established with Downtown Shenandoah Inc. to facilitate the opening of Penn State Schuylkill’s LaunchBox in northern Schuylkill County, set to open in 2025.

Before joining Penn State, Jones served as the assistant vice president for academic affairs and online learning at Drexel University in Philadelphia. In this role he partnered with colleges and academic departments to develop and grow programs for online students. He also led efforts to boost enrollment, retention and diversity of the student body.

In addition, Jones served in a variety of administrative roles, including director of Veteran Enrollment Practice at Syracuse University; professor and director of the Setnor School of Music at Syracuse University; head of the Music Education Division at the University of the Arts; and chair of the Music Education Department at Boston University.

Jones earned a bachelor of science degree in music education from West Chester University, a diploma of fine arts in conducting and wind literature from the University of Calgary, a master’s degree in conducting from George Mason University, and a doctorate in music education from Penn State. He also is a graduate of the Armed Forces School of Music, Air National Guard Academy of Military Science, Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College in Alabama.